Unit Summary

Group members: Ainslee Walker, Bridgette Fraser-ODonnell, Cathryn Russell and Jemima Holmes
Unit Topic:

Electrical Energy

Level: 6

Standards addressed and a brief sentence describing how they are targeted.
By the end of Level 6, students explain how scientific knowledge is used in decision making and develops
from many peoples contributions.
They compare different ways in which energy can be transformed from one form to another to generate
electricity and evaluate their suitability for particular purposes.
They construct electric circuits and distinguish between open and closed circuits.
Science Understanding:
Physical Sciences
Energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity
Students explored solar and wind energy and its ability to produce electrical energy.
Electric circuits enable this energy to be transferred to another place and then to be transformed into
another form of energy.

Students identified the characteristics of complete, short and incomplete circuits. They
experimented with different materials in order to observe the flow of electricity.

Science as Human Endeavour:

Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations of events
and phenomena.

Students predicted what a complete electric circuit would look like. After testing predictions,
students explained and evaluated their hypothesis.

Science Inquiry:
Questioning and predicting
With guidance, pose questions to clarify practical problems or inform a scientific investigation, and predict
what the findings of an investigation might be
Students were asked to make predictions about circuits and electrical energy. They used questioning and
predicting when investigating solar and wind power.
Planning and conducting:
With guidance, plan appropriate investigation methods to answer questions or solve problems
Students were asked to plan investigations around electrical circuits, along with a student designed final
product before conducting each throughout the unit.
Processing and analysing data and information
Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations
Students have been required to record data in activity books and in their student designed investigations.
Evaluating:
Suggest improvements to the methods used to investigate a question or solve a problem
Students have analysed different ways in which electrical energy can be generated. They have also evaluated
the effectiveness and purpose of their design projects.
Communicating:
Communicate ideas, explanations and processes in a variety of ways, including multi-modal texts
Students have presented their designs in a written and oral display. Students were also allocated peers to
assess.

Integrated Areas of the Curriculum:

English: Students are expected to record their own progress throughout the mini unit and also track their
learning in their activity books.
Art: By constructing student designed investigation students are using a range of materials to create a
planned piece.
Drama: Through presenting their design investigations to their peers, students need to think about effective
and appropriate means to display investigations.
Student-centred uses of ICT:
Compiling their own research
Use of Chromebooks for researching and planning design investigations.
YouTube to consolidate learning of solar and wind energy and researching construction ideas.
Unit Description:
During this unit students explored different ways in which electrical energy can be created. Students
developed a basic understanding of circuits through testing batteries and experimenting with food as an
electrical energy source. They investigated solar energy and wind energy throughout the unit by
participating in discussions about environmental significance and how renewable energy sources can be
used in everyday life. Students worked collaboratively to research, design and construct a student-designed
investigation (wind powered car or solar oven). They then presented their findings to peers. Students were
given opportunities to evaluate their own learning individually and as part of a group.